WAM Abu Dhabi, May 15th, 2012 (WAM) -- The President of the UAE Cup Gr 1 for Arabian purebred horses will be flagged off on Saturday at Pimlico Race Track in Maryland-USA, marking the 2nd leg of the Thoroughbred Triple Crown.

The event is organised as per directives from UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and is supported by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The prestigious event in the series will be followed-up by President's Adviser HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Emirates Equestrian Federation.

The 1 1/16 mile race for 4 yr olds and up Open will run for a purse of $75,000 added.

The President of the UAE Cup has been run at various American tracks in recent years, including at Keeneland two years ago and Churchill Downs last year.

WAM/AB